Indonesia To Hold 2015 Bali Democracy Forum

Metrotvnews.com, Jakarta: Indonesia will hold the seventh Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) in 10-11 December. The theme for this years's forum is 'Democracy and Effective Public Governance'.

"Many countries wait for this forum because they see it as very useful forum. It will be opened by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy Esti Andayani in Jakarta, Monday (11/30/2015)

Esti explained BDF reflects Indonesia's values such as homegrown democracy, pluralism and inclusive approach. According to her, BDF can contribute in effort to create world peace.

Esti said Indonesia wants to introduce democracy to other countries through BDF as many countries in Asia Pacific region are not yet implement democratic system.

"This year we try to implement results from previous meetings. Some countries has started to implement the results and i have seen progress in several countries," Esti said.

BDF 2015 will invite 53 countries as members while other 67 countries and seven international organization will attend as observers. Until now, seven ministers and six vice ministers has confirmed their attendance.

There are three sub-themes in this year's BDF. "First is about building democracy and effective government. Second is about challenges on democracy and third is about options and prospects to build democracy and effective government," explained Esti.

Esti said several countries ask Indonesia to train them about democracy including training about election and Corruption Eradication Commission.

Moreover, Director of Public Diplomacy Ali Busyra Basnur said this year's forum is special because it is held together with Indonesia's regional election.

"This year we have panel discussion with various themes. We want the participants can see first hand regional election in Indonesia," he said. (Nabila Gita)